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Triplef

UV Light / Finish

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I bought a small UV light and some Solarex finish. At first I liked the results. The finish got hard in just a few seconds but I was using the "thin." Yesterday I used some of the thicker finish and I could never get the light to harden it. (I finally set it outside in the sun!)

 

The light was a very inexpensive light (less than $10) and I see plenty of these lights costing up to $60-$70. Do I need to spend that kind of money for a UV light???

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I've had the same results. I now just use the thin. Sometimes multiple coats are required, but worth the minor hassle. Not about to pay $60 for a lite. Be sure to keep fresh batteries in you lite, it can make a difference.

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What uv light do you have? A better light can make a big difference, but don't spend $60! Also, did the resin not cure? Or was it just tacky on the outside? Check this out.> http://www.flyfishfood.com/2015/10/uv-resin-shootout.html?m=1 this light gets the nod.> https://www.amazon.com/LMJ-CN®-WF-501B-UV-365nm-Ultraviolet-Flashlight/dp/B00IOOH5KC I own this one and like it.> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008133KB4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1465996187&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=uv+flashlight&dpPl=1&dpID=51PSSzhrqnL&ref=plSrch

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Some like to argue this point but different resins have different uv curing wavelengths and flashlights all have different uv wavelengths. Knowing the wavelength of the resin and matching that wavelength to a flashlight is helpful. Or you can just put them out in the sun.

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The article Fishinguy had the link for indicates that this resin stuff can stay tacky and I didn't test to see if it was cured or just tacky! (I'm new to all this modern fly tying stuff!) I just did another fly and I'm pretty sure it was cured but just tacky. I've covered it with some Hard as Nails so once that dries I'll know for sure! Thanks everyone for the education! I'm sure I'm going to be needing lessons in the future!!

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What uv light do you have? A better light can make a big difference, but don't spend $60! Also, did the resin not cure? Or was it just tacky on the outside? Check this out.> http://www.flyfishfood.com/2015/10/uv-resin-shootout.html?m=1 this light gets the nod.> https://www.amazon.com/LMJ-CN®-WF-501B-UV-365nm-Ultraviolet-Flashlight/dp/B00IOOH5KC I own this one and like it.> https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008133KB4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1465996187&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=uv+flashlight&dpPl=1&dpID=51PSSzhrqnL&ref=plSrch

 

Fishinguy,

What resins were you using with the ESCO light (the one you said you own and liked). Have you used it with the Solarez resins that Hook&Hackle sells?

 

Thanks,

Dave

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No. I own 2 kinds of loon resin. But from what I've gathered from the flyfishfood article I posted the link to and the experiences of others, any "uv" light works with any resin. The more powerful the light, the faster the cure.

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I use clear cure goon thin on some of my flies, all I have to cure that is a cheap uv light that I got out of the pet section at Walmart works great, although I always have to put a thin coat of hard as nails on top of the uv resin cause it is always a little tacky afterwards

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i have an ultrafire wf-501b and wf-502b but i always reach for this one

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-Blacklight-Detector-Batteries-Included/dp/B00GU556SA

 

i limit myself to 2 uv resins: loon flow and silvercreeks crystal uv

 

 

Wow, that's a great deal, especially since you say it's better than the Ultrafires. And it uses AAA batteries too.

 

I need to get some of Silvercreek's resin. I never used epoxy, but someone traded me some Loon UV Thin, and I'm kinda hooked.

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I have the one flytire posted a photo of, except mine is grey bodied. got it off ebay i think, less than $10. uses 3 AAA batteries. it works ok with Solarez, though i only use the thick and thin versions, not the flexible. sometimes there's enough tack that it leaves an impression of my fingertip when touching after application, but i think it's hardened later.

 

eric

fresno, ca.

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